Byline: Shayln Proctor/Reporter
OKMULGEE, Okla- The 2023 Annual Senior Games, sponsored by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Elders Service and the Diabetes Program was held at the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Omniplex Dome on May 19.
Youth Services volunteered to help for these events that catered specifically to citizens 55 or older.
These events gave them the opportunity to place first, second and third place. It was separated into two different age groups between 55-65 years old and 65 on up.
Citizens enjoyed competing in bean bag toss, thin pin bowling, jacks, paper airplane flying contest and free throw contest before having lunch together
This event was a little different then last year due to inclement weather that occurred, instead of having it outside the omniplex it became an inside event.
The Muscogee Creek Nation Elder Service Director, Angella Fish said “we recognize our elders throughout our nations as a way to honor them and to pay our respects to them”.
“It’s just a way of allowing them to further and help them approve their range of emotions or other forms of activities to keep them active,” Fish said. “The competitive edge keeps them active and more inclined for them to want to do more.”
Fish thinks the events foster support for the participants.
“They are also supportive of each other. As you see them accomplish their free throw and they make the baskets, you hear them also applauding one another.”
Citizens near and far come to enjoy this time together. “There are some individuals that come in from different areas within the state.” Fish said. “It’s not just only for the citizens that reside within the Muscogee jurisdiction but also other communities throughout the state and possibly out of state.”
Every year this event occurs Fish claims there is always great feedback from the community. It makes them want to come back next year.
The elders enjoyed being around people around their age and getting to see some familiar faces or meeting new people.
Organizers make sure language is incorporated into activities.
“We do value our elders and we want to ensure that they are treated with the utmost respect,” Fish said. “We look up to them for leadership and guidance because they are the keepers of our culture.”
“We want to acknowledge their presence throughout our nation and to know that.”
For more information about the department and it’s services contact Christy Boone at (918)-732-7765 or ccarson@mcn-nsn.gov
Results of the Senior games of 2023
𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 | 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝟱𝟱-𝟲𝟱
JACKS
1st: Kathryn Corley
2nd: Joann Fox
3rd: Bonnie Factor
FREE THROW
1st: Penny Harjo
2nd: Sharon Whitehead
3rd: Yevette Powell
BEAN BAG TOSS
1st: Frances Lewis
2nd: Lisa Floyd
3rd: Arlene Burrell
THIN PIN BOWLING
1st: Bonnie Factor
2nd: Yevette Powell
3rd: Katherine Corley
𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 | 𝗔𝗴𝗲 𝟲𝟲 – 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿
JACKS
1st: Carol Tiger
2nd: Pat Factor
3rd: Nellie Hallum
FREE THROW
1st: Barbara O’Neal
2nd: Pat Factor
3rd: Teresa Jennings
BEAN BAG TOSS
1st: Nancy Barnett
2nd: Janice Bryan
3rd: Louise Sapulpa
THIN PIN BOWLING
1st: Malline Jackson
2nd: Lillian Thomas
3rd: Emma Lowe
𝗠𝗲𝗻’𝘀 | 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝟱𝟱-𝟲𝟱
JACKS
1st: Soloman Hill
2nd: Mitchell Barnett
3rd: George Dunn
FREE THROW
1st: Soloman Hill
2nd: Mitchell Barnett
3rd: Mark Wataske
BEAN BAG TOSS
1st: Phillip Harjo
2nd: Soloman Hill
3rd: Chris Powell
THIN PIN BOWLING
1st: Phillip Harjo
2nd: Mitchell Barnett
3rd: Soloman Hill
𝗠𝗲𝗻’𝘀 | 𝗔𝗴𝗲 𝟲𝟲 – 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿
JACKS
1st: Lyle Wells
2nd: Larry Carlis
3rd: Terry Walker
FREE THROW
1st: Richard Isham
2nd: Charles Proctor
3rd: Michael Coon
BEAN BAG TOSS
1st: Leon Yahola
2nd: Charles Proctor
3rd: Richard Isham
THIN PIN BOWLING
1st: Robert Wildcat
2nd: Larry Carlis
3rd: Bill West
